Latest news with #HealthandSocialProtection
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Health
- Morocco World
Measles Cases Drop 80% in Morocco as Vaccination Coverage Reaches 95%
Doha – Morocco has recorded an 80% decrease in measles cases compared to the peak registered 16 weeks ago, according to Health and Social Protection Minister Amine Tahraoui. Speaking at the House of Representatives in Rabat on Monday, Tahraoui announced that the national weekly incidence rate has fallen to just one case per 100,000 people. This reduction comes as a result of an intensive vaccination campaign implemented by the ministry following the initial outbreak. The campaign has successfully pushed the national vaccination coverage rate above 95% among children under 18 years old, meeting the threshold recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The health ministry has been working since the first cases appeared to develop a comprehensive national plan to combat the spread of measles, accompanied by various field measures. As of May 16, authorities had verified the vaccination status of more than 10.76 million children under 18, representing 98.57% of the target population. Through this process, 754,202 unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children were identified. Through a large-scale field mobilization, 586,912 of these children have now been vaccinated, achieving a completion rate of approximately 78%. This has helped reduce the vaccination gap and limit the spread of the epidemic. The campaign has enabled the administration of a total of 801,702 doses of measles vaccine, including booster and preventive doses. Read also: 'Bouhemroun': Measles Outbreak Claims Lives in Morocco's Remote Regions The recent measles outbreak in Morocco hit concerning levels. WHO reported that from October 1, 2023, to April 13, 2025, the North African country saw over 25,000 suspected measles cases across all 12 regions, including 13,706 confirmed infections and 184 deaths. The resurgence of measles, which had almost disappeared in Morocco, was largely attributed to the rise of anti-vaccine sentiments. Health officials noted that the global anti-vaccination movement influenced Moroccan parents, despite the country having measles vaccination programs in place since the 1960s. During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination rates decreased due to lockdowns and fears of infection in hospitals. Some parents developed a 'vaccine phobia' following the pandemic, requiring health workers to conduct interviews explaining the benefits of vaccination. The government responded with awareness campaigns in schools and public warnings about false information spreading on social media, including misleading claims that the measles vaccine was actually a fourth dose of the COVID vaccine. The Ministry of Health plans to maintain these gains by continuing campaigns and awareness activities, taking into account the local specificities of different regions across the country. The ministry also mentioned strengthening the technical, managerial, and communication skills of health personnel, as well as accelerating the digitization of the information system, currently in a pilot phase, to create a national vaccination registry. Tags: measlesMeasles Vaccination
Maroc
23-05-2025
- Health
- Maroc
Morocco Actively Participates in WHA's 78th Session in Geneva
Morocco's delegation to the 78th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA), taking place in Geneva from May 19 to 27, has been involved in a series of intensive bilateral and multilateral engagements as part of this major global health event. Morocco's active participation reflects the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to international efforts aimed at building more resilient, equitable, and sustainable health systems, in line with the High Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine Tehraoui, told MAP. Speaking during the Assembly's plenary sessions, the official delivered both the address on behalf of the Francophone Group and Morocco's national statement. He highlighted the major structural health reforms initiated under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. In his remarks, Tehraoui stressed that 'the pace of global change calls for a redefinition of healthcare priorities, with a clear focus on achieving universal health coverage and enhancing the resilience and sustainability of health systems—especially in light of challenges such as climate change.' He also welcomed the approval of the WHO's pandemic agreement on Tuesday, describing it as 'a strong sign of our collective ability to rise above differences and work together for the health of all.' The Moroccan delegation participated in a series of parallel strategic meetings, including the Council of Arab Health Ministers, a high-level session on sustainable health financing organized with Africa CDC, and an event on local drug production. The minister also co-chaired a high-level side event devoted to the presentation of a draft resolution aimed at strengthening and promoting the global health workforce by 2030.
Ya Biladi
06-05-2025
- Health
- Ya Biladi
Morocco and WHO strengthen partnership for health system reform and regional cooperation
On Monday in Rabat, Minister of Health and Social Protection Amine Tahraoui met with Hanane Hassan Balkhi, the World Health Organization's Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, who is on a working visit to Morocco. The meeting is part of the ongoing cooperation between the Kingdom and the WHO, a key partner in the implementation of health programs and joint projects at both local and regional levels. Speaking to the press, Minister Tahraoui emphasized that Morocco is undergoing a profound and comprehensive reform of its health system. This includes structural reorganization and efforts to strengthen social justice in access to healthcare, particularly through the rollout of universal health coverage and the gradual expansion of the social protection system. He also reaffirmed Morocco's strong commitment to supporting regional and international initiatives aimed at advancing public health, achieving sustainable social development, and fostering innovation for the benefit of populations in the region and beyond. For her part, Balkhi reiterated the WHO's support for Morocco's health reform, commending the Kingdom's forward-looking royal vision, which seeks to enhance health outcomes and promote health sovereignty across the African continent. She stressed the importance of deepening cooperation and partnerships between Morocco and the WHO to advance shared public health objectives and strengthen health systems across the region, in line with the overarching goal of «health for all». In this context, Balkhi called for increased collaboration to launch new initiatives, highlighting Morocco's role as a vital link between the WHO and African countries, as well as a model in both public health and international cooperation.
Morocco World
05-05-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
WHO Commends Morocco's Health Reforms, Continental Leadership
Doha – Morocco's Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine Tahraoui, met in Rabat today with Hanane Hassan Balkhi, the World Health Organization's Regional Director for the Middle East. Their talks focused on reinforcing partnership between Morocco and the WHO. During the meeting, Tahraoui detailed Morocco's comprehensive health system reform under King Mohammed VI's guidance. The reform aims to restructure the healthcare system, improve social justice in healthcare access, and broaden medical coverage and social protection. Tahraoui pointed to Morocco's emergence as a regional center for health programs and its ability to serve as a key partner in implementing global health initiatives. This position builds on the country's expertise, modern health infrastructure, and dedication to international cooperation in addressing health challenges and achieving sustainable development goals. Morocco has made noticeable progress in maternal health, achieving a 70% reduction in maternal mortality over two decades. The rate decreased from 244 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 72 deaths by 2020, reflecting substantial improvements in medical training and healthcare delivery. The country is taking steps to address workforce shortages in healthcare, aiming to increase the ratio of health professionals from the current 18 per 10,000 people to 45 per 10,000 by 2030, meeting WHO standards. By 2025, Morocco plans to increase available health positions to 6,500, up from 4,000 in 2019. Read also: Morocco Accelerates Health Sector Digitalization with Strategic Partnerships at GITEX Africa 2025 Morocco has also begun developing a comprehensive national mental health strategy to address growing needs, with nearly 49% of Moroccans expected to experience psychological disorders during their lifetime. The country currently has about 3,230 mental health professionals serving the population. The government is additionally working on reforming the Basic Compulsory Health Insurance system, with plans to centralize management under the National Social Security Fund to streamline services and expand coverage to more citizens, including students and those unable to afford membership fees. Balkhi voiced WHO's support for Morocco's health system reform, acknowledging the royal vision directed at advancing health and backing healthcare sovereignty in Africa. She noted the value of strengthening collaboration between Morocco and the WHO to reach shared public health goals and develop health systems regionally. The WHO official called for increased cooperation to initiate new projects, noting Morocco's function as a link between the organization and African countries and as a model in public health and international cooperation. In a separate event the same day, Tahraoui officially welcomed the 82-member Moroccan medical team that will support pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season. The delegation comprises doctors, nurses, and administrators from both the Ministry of Health and the Royal Armed Forces' health services. Tags: amine tahraouiMoroccan Ministry of HealthWorld Health Organization
Morocco World
30-04-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco Begins Vital Work on National Mental Health Strategy
Rabat – Morocco's Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine El Tahraoui, announced on Tuesday that the government has started preparing a national strategy for mental health and well-being. Speaking during a session in the House of Councillors, the minister said the strategy will cover all aspects of mental and psychological health. He was responding to a question from the Socialist Opposition Group about the situation of people living with mental illnesses. El Tahraoui explained that the ministry is currently working on reforming the legal and regulatory framework related to mental health. This includes updating mental health laws and developing treatment protocols for priority mental health disorders. In November, the minister revealed that nearly 49% of Moroccans are expected to suffer from psychological disorders at some point in their lives. These include depression (26%), anxiety disorders (9%), psychotic disorders (5.6%), and schizophrenia (1%). Despite challenges such as the shortage of qualified professionals and their uneven distribution across regions, the ministry is making efforts to improve access to specialized mental health services, added the minister on Monday. Morocco has around 3,230 professionals working in mental health as of 2025. These include 319 psychiatrists in the public sector and 274 in the private sector, along with 62 child psychiatrists in the public sector and 14 in the private sector. In addition, there are 1,700 mental health nurses working in public hospitals. The ministry is also increasing the number of training spots in nursing and health institutes and is coordinating with the higher education sector to set up regional practical training committees. An agreement signed in 2022 aims to boost education and research in mental health by 2030. The minister added that the government is working under the national multi-sector mental health plan for 2030. The plan includes expanding mental health departments in general hospitals, improving outpatient psychiatric services, creating crisis intervention teams, and strengthening rehabilitation and social reintegration programs. The new strategy is expected to bring better mental health care to people across Morocco and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, he concluded. Tags: mental healthmental health in Morocco
